Underhand Amaro
Underhand Amaro
750ml
33% abv
A blend of Chinese Five Spice, Sichuan and Macqaw peppercorns, gentian, rhubarb root, Mekong cinnamon, orange and citron peel, and Okinawan Murakami Syuten sugar for a bold and bittersweet flavor profile.
The fiery warmth of Chinese Five Spice meets bittersweet complexity, creating a bold, versatile spirit that ignites the senses and celebrates every season.
Into The Bottle
What happens when the fiery warmth of Chinese Five Spice collides with the bitter complexity of amaro? You get Underhand Amaro, a spirit that warms the palate and ignites the senses. Sweetened with crushed Okinawan Murakami Syuten sugar—renowned for its deep, molasses-like intensity—this release is an ode to the vibrant interplay of heat, spice, and celebration.
The heart of Underhand Amaro beats with the unmistakable notes of Chinese Five Spice—a blend of star anise, fennel seed, cloves, cinnamon, and peppercorns. Historically, this iconic mix was designed to strike a balance between the five fundamental flavors in Chinese cuisine: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. Over centuries, its versatility made it a culinary staple, perfect for everything from lacquered roast duck to spiced winter cakes.
But here, the spices take on new life. They’re layered with gentian and rhubarb root’s earthy bitterness, the electrifying buzz of green and red Sichuan peppercorns, and the rare and aromatic Macqaw peppercorns, sourced from the highlands of Thailand. These peppercorns, part of the same botanical family as Sichuan pepper, bring a distinct citrusy brightness, floral complexity, and a subtle numbing tingle that bridges the fiery warmth of the spice mix with the bittersweet complexity of the amaro. Citrusy bursts of orange and citron peel brighten the experience, while Mekong cinnamon—a variety rich with vanilla undertones—rounds it all out.
If you’re wondering how we captured the warmth of a crackling hearth, the cool bite of winter air, and the sparkle of festive lights in a single bottle, you’re not alone. We asked ourselves the same question, and the answer was simple: blend boldly. Each sip of Underhand Amaro evokes the rituals of holiday gatherings—whether it’s the sharp pop of cloves in a simmering mulled wine, the anise notes in spiced cookies, or the resinous depth of evergreen garlands.
As the season of giving approaches, Underhand Amaro is a go-to gift for anyone who loves bold flavors. Its versatility makes it the star of winter cocktails: try it in a riff on a Hot Toddy, stirred into an Old Fashioned (maybe with a splash of soda and an expressed orange peel), or as the ultimate fireside sipper served neat. And because it’s the holidays, let’s not forget: the statuesque bottle is going to look festive on the holiday table.
The gift that keeps on gifting—this isn’t just a spirit for a single season. In winter, it evokes the warmth of crackling fires and spiced cakes. In spring, it’s the perfect partner to fresh citrus and floral flavors. In summer, its complex bitterness shines in refreshing spritzes and highballs, while autumn brings it to life alongside baked apples and warm spices.
Celebrate the season with spice, with warmth, and with a spirit that brings people together. Cheers!
How We're Drinking It